Researchers at the West Coast Poverty Center at the University of Washington note that Washingtons poverty rate remains well above pre-recession levels. According to the census, the states poverty rate in 2006 was 8 percent, or 502,000 residents.

The poverty line varies by family size. In 2010, a family of two adults and two children was considered poor if its annual income fell below $22,113.

The Census Bureau will release more accurate state-level data on Sept. 20.

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For additional information, contact Marieka Klawitter, an associate professor at the UW Evans School of Public Affairs: 206-616-1673 or marieka@uw.edu.